Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 19 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 2

Written Answers. - Dublin Special School.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

129 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a request from a special school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 for the establishment of a special language unit to cater for a number of pupils who have speech and language disorders in addition to their mental handicap; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that pupils are being referred to the school for this service specifically, but the school is unable to provide the service in view of inadequate staffing; if she will accede to the school's request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13048/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

My attention has been drawn to the request from the school in question for an additional teacher to cater for a group of mildly mentally handicapped children who have communication difficulties.

This matter has been considered in detail by my Department. My Department has offered an additional 15 parttime teaching hours per week in an effort to help the school cater for the special needs of the children concerned.

I understand that the school authorities have difficulty with this proposal and have requested a meeting to discuss the matter further. Arrangements are being made for officials of my Department to meet with the school authorities.